Health, Recipes & Nutrition

Chia seeds are tiny power packed seeds that have been documented to be around since 3500bc in the diets of Aztecs and Mayans.

They had identified that these super seeds had the ability to increase stamina and energy over long periods of time.

What Is The Difference between chia seed and sabja seeds (basil seeds)

Chia seed is a native of Mexico and it does not have an Indian name. However it has time and again been confused with basil seeds which is also know as sabja in hindi. Be it in appearance, origin or health benefits; chia seeds are different from sabja in numerous ways.

Both chia seeds and sabja seeds originate from the mint family and hence the resemblance.

So how do you differentiate one from the other. Below are a few simple ways that can help you do so:

As can be seed in the above image the left side is CHIA SEEDS. They are usually a mixture of grey, black, white and sometimes even brown seeds. However even the black ones are not pitch black in colour. Instead a dull pattern or a mosaic is visible on them.

While on the right side SABJA SEEDS, are uniformly jet Black or pitch black in colour

Both chia seeds and sabja have their own set of health benefits. They have been known to aid in weight loss due to their ability to make you feel fuller faster. Here are the most beneficial properties of the seeds:

Chia seeds

Good source of proteins and Omega 3s

The naturally low-carb and high-fiber food helps in digestion

Highly recommended for weight-loss

Promotes energy and endurance

Helps in stabililizing blood sugar levels

Sabja Seeds

One of the best body coolant

Has a soothing effect on the stomach and hence useful to combat acidity

Good source of vitamins and Iron

Helps to promote healthy skin and hair

Acts as a detoxifying agents and helps to cleanse the blood

FACTOR

CHIA SEEDS

SABJA SEEDS

Native

Native to Central and southern mexico

Native to India and the Mediterranean region

Colour

Usually a mixture of grey, black, white and sometimes even brown seeds. However even the black ones are not pitch black in colour. Instead a dull pattern or a mosaic is visible on them

Uniformly jet Black or pitch black in colour

Appearance

Oval in shape

Elliptical, like tiny grains of rice

On soaking in water

Chia takes time to absorb water. It has the unique ability to gel by absorbing over 10 times their weight.

Sabja swell up within seconds of being mixed with water. A translucent coat forms around the seed and it appears much larger in size when compared to a soaked chia seed

Taste of soaked seeds

Does not have any taste of its own and can easily be incorporated in any kind of dish.

Has a mild flavour of basil and imparts the same to drinks and desserts

Usage/Health Benefits

Can be consumed raw or soaked.

Good source of proteins and Omega 3s

Can be consumed only after soaking.

Has a soothing effect on the stomach and hence useful to combat acidity.

Hope you liked this article. If you would like to add more differences do mention the same in the comments section below.

With over 7 years of experience in the organic industry, Priya is a strong believer in using healthy and easy to use alternatives in daily life. She passionately advises her friends, family and customers by sharing with them practical and easy ways to include healthy alternatives in their daily life.

OMG! WOW..this is amazing, until now i was having an impression Chia seeds and Sabja(which is easily available in the local grocery stores) are just the same. This is such an eye opener. Very well Explained along with the illustrations and images. Thank You so much for this.

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